About the Award
The Public Impact Award, sponsored by Research Nova Scotia recognizes a researcher who has delivered measurable benefits to Nova Scotia’s economy.
It focuses on applied work with demonstrated impact through growth, productivity, competitiveness, or the creation of new economic opportunities. The researcher’s work must address a defined need in the province by solving a problem, managing a risk, or enabling application.
Eligible work aligns with Research Nova Scotia’s priority sectors: natural resources, climate change and clean energy; life sciences and health sciences; and construction and transportation.
Nominees may come from academia, public research institutions, government, or the private sector. Prior funding from Research Nova Scotia is not a prerequisite.
The 2026 Public Impact Award will be presented at the Annual Discovery Awards.
Discovery Awards, in support of Discovery Centre, celebrates outstanding innovators whose game changing achievements in science and technology put Nova Scotia at the forefront of global innovation.
| This competition is | OPEN |
| Important Dates | |
| Nominations Close | June 23, 2026 at 1 P.M. (ADT) |
ELIGIBILITY
- Nominee is a Nova Scotian researcher in academia, a public research institution, government, or the private sector.
- The nominator must clearly demonstrate how the nominee’s research has directly and intentionally contributed to Nova Scotia’s economy and productivity. This includes the original objective of the work, the measurable outcomes achieved, the partnerships and processes that enabled implementation, and the resulting impact within the province.
- The nominator must clearly describe how the research was translated into real-world use, including the mechanisms that supported implementation. This may include commercialization, industry adoption, or other pathways that result in measurable economic and productivity outcomes in Nova Scotia, aligned with one or more of the three priority sectors.
Nominate
To nominate someone for the Public Impact Award, complete the application and submit it by email to at info@researchns.ca before June 23 at 1 P.M. ADT.
Our team will confirm that your nomination has been received.
If you have any questions or experience any issues, please contact info@researchns.ca.
Selection Process
Eligible nominations will be sent to the Discovery Award’s selection committee.
Application Details/Questions
Details
Nominator Information: Full name, Position, Organization/Affiliation, Email, Phone, Relationship to Nominee, Address
Nominee Information: Nominee Information, Full Name, Position, Organization/affiliation, Email, Phone, Sector (select one): Natural Resources, Climate change, and Clean Energy; Life Sciences and Health Sciences; Construction and Transportation, Nominee Category (Select One): Academia; Public Research Institution; Government; Private Sector
NOTE: Nominees may be contacted to answer additional questions following your nomination.
Questions
Nomination Rationale (max 250 words)
1. With the award criteria in mind, please explain why this researcher deserves to be nominated for the Public Impact Award.
Direct Impact on Nova Scotians (max 300 words)
2. What specific, measurable outcomes has the nominee’s research produced for Nova Scotians? Describe the direct benefits, including changes to economic activity and productivity. Provide concrete examples where possible.
Development and Implementation Pathway (max 300 words)
3. How has the nominee’s research been translated into real-world use? Describe the path from initial research to application, including key partnerships, adoption or commercialization steps, and how the work was implemented in Nova Scotia.
Additional Information (max 250 words)
Provide any additional information about the Nominee and their achievements that should be considered by the selection committee.
“Receiving the 2025 Public Impact Award from Research Nova Scotia was a meaningful recognition of our work on ticks, tick-bite prevention, and public health outreach. It strengthened my commitment to translating chemical ecology and vector biology research into practical strategies that protect people, animals, and communities. This recognition highlighted the importance of bridging fundamental science with real-world applications—whether through developing safer repellents, understanding tick behaviour, or engaging directly with the public and stakeholders. It also motivated us to expand collaborations, strengthen knowledge mobilization efforts, and continue advancing innovative, evidence-based solutions to reduce tick-borne risks in Nova Scotia and beyond.”
Dr. Nicoletta Faraone,
2025 Public Impact Award Recipient
About the Discovery Awards
The Discovery Awards are all about celebrating outstanding innovators whose game-changing achievements have helped to make Nova Scotia a leader on the world stage. As the marquee fundraiser, all proceeds directly support the Discovery Centre’s not-for-profit mission, enabling us to provide the very best in hands-on STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) for youth from one end of the province to the other.